Crunch time for foreshore

Photo / Supplied

Today could be make or break time in the bid to find legislation to replace the Foreshore and Seabed Act.

Prime Minister John Key is due to meet the Maori Party in the morning, ahead of a Cabinet meeting, to look for ways around the problems that beset alternatives to the act.

The outcome is expected to be discussed by Cabinet.

The Government won't repeal the act until legislation is acceptable to the Maori Party, and the Government's preferred option is to put the foreshore and seabed into the public domain so no one can own it.

Maori would be able to seek customary rights through the courts, but not freehold title.

That has been rejected by the Iwi Leaders Group which is negotiating with the Government, and Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia said on Friday the policy "may be a bridge too far for our people".

Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell said agreement was close, but not close enough to satisfy all the parties.

- NZPA